Description
Lahanorizo is a traditional Greek comforting dish combining tender cabbage and flavorful rice simmered in vegetable stock with aromatic herbs and a bright touch of lemon. This one-pot meal is simple to prepare and perfect for a light yet satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner, showcasing the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 medium leek, sliced (white and light green parts only)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium cabbage, sliced (about 500 g / 1 lb)
- A handful fresh dill, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Pantry Items
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 225 g (1/2 lb) round grain rice
- 1 litre (4 cups) vegetable stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large stockpot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and sliced leek, cooking for 5-6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste and continue cooking for another minute, stirring occasionally to evenly distribute the paste.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pot, generously salt it to help soften and flavor the cabbage. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the cabbage has reduced in size and is tender.
- Add Rice and Stock: Stir in the round grain rice and pour in the vegetable stock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. If the mixture looks too dry during cooking, add a little extra stock as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh dill and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and an optional drizzle of extra olive oil for added richness.
Notes
- Using a round grain rice helps achieve a nice creamy texture that complements the softness of the cabbage.
- Fresh dill is traditional and adds a bright, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil to your taste to balance acidity and richness.
- This dish pairs well with simple Greek salads or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of vegetable stock or water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
